33cl bottle, 2012 vintage, bottle number 3979, from Bitter Virtue, Southampton. A dark chocolate brown pour with a ruby red glow, and a thin beige head; rich, milky chocolate aroma; thick, coating the mouth like a chocolate malt milkshake, with a tingling, fruity, bitterness that seems to give you a hug; then a mellow finish with traces of coffee and cognac - the alcohol being well hidden. An extremely satisfying nightcap.

2012 Vintage: 330ml bottle into a Westmalle chalice at home on 11th Dec 2015, most likely to finish the rating in the early hours of the 12th Dec 2015. Dark bodied with a wispy tan head, a mini-collar but not much else. The nose is awesome, prunes, dates, booze, Port, Sherry, Oak and goodness. The taste blew me away, all those aromas plus more booze and more booze blended with Oak and red berries soaked in alcohol pods (are there such things?). Did I mention booze yet? Just a fantastic brew: loved it. Goes really well with Chocolate Hobnobs!

Excellent balanced beer, I really love these imperial stouts. Well, I think I’ve tasted two, but can’t complain about those. Roasty, caramel, chocolate, medium bitterness, ripe plums, citrus and nice hops. It’s a pity that it was only a small special batch at the alcohol store.

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